Released by Governor Ron DeSantis’ Press Office —–
Tallahassee, Fla. – Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the appointment of Noah Valenstein to serve as the Secretary of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).
“I’m pleased to announce that I have appointed Noah Valenstein to continue to lead the Department of Environmental Protection,” said Governor DeSantis. “Noah has led DEP with distinction and has played an integral role in implementing my vision to protect and restore Florida’s environment. I’m confident his continued leadership will bolster our efforts to take decisive action on behalf of the people of Florida.”
“We applaud Governor Ron DeSantis’ decision to appoint Noah Valenstein to this crucial position,” said Eric Eikenberg, CEO of The Everglades Foundation. “Secretary Valenstein understands the critical link between cleaning up our water and the economic viability of our state. With Governor DeSantis’ transformative and bold leadership, Secretary Valenstein’s long-standing commitment to Florida’s natural resources will deliver tangible results for Florida’s waterways. We look forward to working with Secretary Valenstein, and we are confident that he will successfully implement Governor DeSantis’ commitment to expedite Everglades restoration.”
“This is a great move by Governor DeSantis for Florida’s environment,” said Julie Wraithmell, Executive Director of Audubon Florida. “Secretary Valenstein is a Florida-grown conservationist and has the experience with the science and politics of Florida’s environment to make real progress for our state. During his brief tenure at DEP, we’ve already seen Florida Forever funding restored to $100 million, strategic springs restoration projects implemented, and DEP stepping up to drive state efforts on sea level rise adaptation. Secretary Valenstein was a breath of fresh air when he arrived at DEP, and I can’t wait to see what he’ll accomplish in an administration with such a commitment to meeting Florida’s water and other conservation challenges.”
“Noah Valenstein clearly understands the connection between Florida’s environment and economy,” said Captain Daniel Andrews, Executive Director of Captains for Clean Water. “Governor DeSantis has laid out a bold vision to restore the Everglades and solve our water crisis, and we are excited that he has chosen Noah to carry out his vision as Secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection. Noah has what it takes to get the job done and we look forward to working with him.”
“We at The Nature Conservancy are thrilled to be able to continue to work with Secretary Valenstein and thank Governor DeSantis for his reappointment,” said Temperince Morgan, Executive Director of the Florida Chapter of The Nature Conservancy. “Under his leadership, the Department of Environmental Protection has partnered with The Nature Conservancy to advance coastal resilience efforts and further the conservation and preservation of critical habitats and watersheds. We are looking forward to exciting new opportunities to partner with DEP to conserve and protect our precious natural resources.”
“SCCF supports Governor DeSantis’ announcement of Noah Valenstein as Secretary of DEP,” said Rae Ann Wessel, Natural Resource Policy Director of the Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation. “Noah has been a valued partner in addressing water quality issues, and under his leadership the state has increased public health notifications, provided additional funding for needed water quality monitoring stations, worked to prevent the loss of water quality monitoring on Lee County’s beaches, and has established a statewide program to address and fund coastal resilience projects.”
“The Conservancy of Southwest Florida welcomes the announcement by Governor DeSantis of the reappointment of Noah Valenstein as Secretary of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection,” said Rob Moher, President and CEO of Conservancy of Southwest Florida. “We have had significant experience in working closely with Secretary Valenstein on numerous complex water and conservation policy issues and believe he will be a strong leader for DEP under the new administration’s strategic efforts to address our environmental challenges. We congratulate both Secretary Valenstein, and the Governor for appointing him, and look forward to continued meaningful engagement in advancing science-based solutions to protect our water, land and wildlife.”
“Secretary Valenstein is well-versed in the issues facing the Everglades and has a track record of working to advance restoration,” said Cara Capp, Everglades Restoration Program Manager for the National Parks Conservation Association. “From prioritizing projects that deliver clean water to Florida Bay, to opposing dangerous oil drilling proposals that threaten our water supply, we appreciate his leadership in protecting national parks in Florida and the rest of our state’s environment. NPCA thanks Governor DeSantis for this appointment and looks forward to our continued partnership with Secretary Valenstein in the years ahead.”
Noah Valenstein has served as Secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection since May 23, 2017, when he was appointed by Governor Rick Scott. Prior to being Secretary, Noah served as the Executive Director of the Suwannee River Water Management District. Secretary Valenstein has years of experience working on environmental issues in the Executive Office of the Governor, the Florida House of Representatives, and with some of Florida’s leading environmental non-profits. Secretary Valenstein graduated from the University of Florida’s School of Natural Resources and Environment and the Florida State University College of Law.